Sulfamic acid-functionalized magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles as an efficient and reusable catalyst for one-pot synthesis of α-amino nitriles in water

Grafting of chlorosulfuric acid on the amino-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles afforded sulfamic acid-functionalized magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (SA-MNPs) as a novel organic–inorganic hybrid heterogeneous catalyst, which was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, TGA, TEM, and elemental analysis. The catalytic activity of SA-MNPs was probed through one-pot synthesis of α-amino nitriles via three-component couplings of aldehydes (or ketones), amines and trimethylsilyl cyanide in water, at room temperature. The heterogeneous catalyst could be recovered easily and reused many times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (117 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Synthesis of sulfamic acid-functionalized magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (SA-MNPs). ► High catalytic activity of SA-MNPs in synthesis of α-amino nitriles. ► Generality of the method, high yields and short reaction times. ► Recyclability and reusability of SA-MNPs without loss of its catalytic activity.